Utility Safety Voice of Experience: Danny Raines, CUSP - Ground Gradient Step Potential and PPE

In this episode, Danny Raines, CUSP talks on why for various reasons, ground gradient step potential hazards are not always considered or thought to be important. I recently received a call from a large investor-owned utility whose employees had differing opinions about using super dielectric overshoes or work boots when setting a pole in an energized line. Some people are of the opinion that if you cover up the lines with a nominal voltage-rated cover, there is no danger of an energized pole and therefore no chance of ground gradient step potential. I believe the manufacturer’s usage suggestion for any cover is for incidental brush contact by a qualified worker, not a boom truck or pole. There is nothing in ASTM D1050, “Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Line Hose,” stating that hoses can be used for any means or measures other than a qualified electrical worker’s personal protection from energized conductors. Pole shields are another product believed by many to protect workers on the ground who make indirect contact with energized parts. But unless the company is an electric cooperative and lives by the required Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program, which is part of the annual compliance audit by the company that insures most electric cooperatives, the dielectric testing of Salcor line hoses does not happen. Everything, including pole shields, is rated safety equipment.

You can read the current magazine at Incident Prevention Magazine.

The Voice of Experience with Danny Raines podcast is produced by the same team that publishes Incident Prevention. It delivers insights based on Danny's regular column in the magazine, also called the Voice of Experience. To listen to more episodes of this podcast, as well as other podcasts we produce, visit https://incident-prevention.com/podcasts. You can reach Danny at rainesafety@gmail.com.

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